Moving forward with big dreams.

After a busy spring we are happy to take advantage of this lull in the volunteer program to dedicate time and resources to new projects.  As some of you may know, we have been talking about building our own BBOH Mission House for quite some time.  With so many balls that we have been juggling, it has been easy to let this project take a back burner.  However, now that we live here FULL TIME we can take advantage of these weeks between volunteer groups to move the vision forward.  

Why a new Mission House? 

We have quickly outgrown our humble accommodations in Palo Seco.  This three bedroom single family style home has been a big part of our story here in the DR.  However, as our projects have expanded and our volunteer groups have grown, we simply need more functional space to accommodate visitors, to hold meetings and to embrace the local community in fellowship. 

Our vision

We desire for this new mission house to not only be available for our international volunteers but also for other missionary/humanitarian groups who come to Elias Pina.  Our open arms to embrace other likeminded groups and provide them with a safe place to sleep while serving in their own projects is at the center of our heart.  We desire to impact the local economy by providing steady jobs in meal preparation, care-taking, office administration and other fields.  The presence of a retreat center style Mission House will also lift up the local Catholic community.  For the first time there will be a place to gather for mens & women's retreats, catechism classes and trainings, extended stay youth activities, local medical missions, etc.  

Visiting the project site with a topographer and architect.

Dr. Angel taking notes during our visit to the future construction site.

Preparation and Planning

Over the last two weeks we have been in contact with a local San Juan political figure (I think her role would most closely translate to Mayor) who is also an architect.  Through a series of God-moments she has happily agreed to join us on this adventure.  She cleared her schedule to visit the property that FUMSIL (and subsequently the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana) own in El Llano (shoutout to you Rose Marie!!).  A topographer has already visited the land, taken measurements and will then provide a comprehensive map of the property.   With this map, our architect will design the layout of the project, dividing it into phases of completion.   We are beyond excited to have the blue prints, 3D images and computer renderings of a project has been on the horizon for so long.  

We have meetings set up after Easter with the Vicar to Bishop Grullon of the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana to present the project, gather feedback and move toward formal approval of the project.  

Please pray for the Lord's leading in this huge undertaking.  We are looking at a season of construction, capital campaigns and grant writing to make this project a reality.   And the best part -- WE ARE EXCITED!!!  More information coming soon! 

Prayer requests: 
For this preparation phase of building a new Mission House. 
For the preschool in El Chivo as Dr. Angel moves toward Ministry of Education funding.
For our family as we continue to embrace full time missions.  (In particular, for our first Easter abroad)

Thank you to all of our supporters.  We couldn't be here doing this without you!